Wilbur-Ellis Acquires Orchard Fertilizer Service

Wilbur-Ellis Co. has acquired the assets of Orchard Fertilizer Service, Inc. Located in Orchard, NE, Orchard Fertilizer Service is a full-service ag retail business that has been serving growers in North-Central Nebraska for over 50 years.

Wilbur-Ellis believes the acquisition will make the company more competitive in the Nebraska market and provide growth opportunities for seed and other crop inputs. Wilbur-Ellis also plans to introduce local growers to the Wilbur-Ellis branded portfolio of products, and various product and technology experts in the company. Wilbur-Ellis already has a presence in Nebraska and in neighboring states, which includes several aerial application hubs.

“We are thrilled to welcome Orchard Fertilizer Service to the Wilbur-Ellis Midwest Operations team,” said Troy Johnson, vice president of Wilbur-Ellis’ Midwest Operations. “We see growth areas in aerial application, seed, and crop protection technology, and believe that this acquisition will allow us the opportunity to build stronger relationships with fertilizer and seed suppliers in the state of Nebraska. We also look forward to building relationships with the Orchard Fertilizer Service customer base.”

“We have spent years bringing value, quality products and services to our loyal customers,” said Don Williams, owner of Orchard Fertilizer Service. “We looked at several companies and we believe that Wilbur-Ellis will bring the service that Orchard Fertilizer Service is known for.”

Williams also said that he believes the family-owned, U.S.-based company has an excellent staff and that it will bring many opportunities for their employees and customers.

This marks the fourth acquistion by Wilbur-Ellis in the past month. On February 28, the company purchased the assets of Nueces Ag, an aerial application business located at the Nueces County Municipal Airport in Texas. On March 20, Wilbur-Ellis Co. acquired the assets of Chester, SD-based Chester Farm Service, an ag retailer known locally for its expertise in seed. And earlier this week, the company purchased the assets of S&S Agricultural Supply in Watervliet, MI.